May 1, 2006

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State cornerback Jarrett Bush and offensive lineman Donald Penn have each signed NFL free agent contracts it was announced on Monday.

Bush, a first-team all-WAC selection this past fall, will be a member of the Carolina Panthers, while Penn, a four-year starter and second-team all-WAC selection in 2005, will be a part of the Minnesota Vikings.

Bush had an outstanding senior season, recording 50 tackles while breaking up 13 passes and recording two interceptions. The 6-1, 192-pounder from Vacaville, Calif. ranked sixth in the NCAA in passes defended last season.

His interceptions came against UNLV and Fresno State, while he had a season-high three passes broken up against Louisiana Tech.. Bush had a season-high seven tackles against San Jose State and recorded at least five tackles in six of USU's 11 games last year.

Penn, a 6-5, 315-pound offensive tackle, capped his Aggie career by playing in the Hula Bowl after earning second-team all-WAC honors. Penn, who is from Playa Del Rey, Calif., started 41 consecutive games and 42 in his collegiate career.

Penn began his starting streak in the third game of his freshman year before having it end in the 10th game of last year.